Sekirov Dictionary

formal

UK /ˈfɔːməl/US /ˈfɔɹməl/

adjective 9
noun 6
forms 3

adjective9

•
done in the correct, serious way that social rules expect, and not relaxed
- He's always very formal, and I wish he'd relax a bit.
•
Ceremonial or traditional.
- Formal wear must be worn at my wedding!
•
Official.
- I'd like to make a formal complaint.
•
In accordance with established forms.
- She spoke formal English, without any dialect.
•
In accordance with a methodological framework with well-defined rules or laws; rigorous.
- Despite efforts by limnologists and freshwater biologists to create a formal definition of “pond”, there is still no universal distinction between a “pond” and a “lake”.
- Only formal proofs, which derive theorems logically from their given axioms, are considered satisfactory in modern mathematics.
•
Organized; well-structured and planned.
- When they became a formal club the rowers built a small boathouse.
•
Relating to the form or structure of something.
- Formal linguistics ignores the vocabulary of languages and focuses solely on their grammar.
•
Relating to mere manipulation and construction of strings of symbols, without regard to their meaning.
- Formal series are defined without any reference to convergence.
•
Relating to formation.
- The formal stage is a critical part of any child's development.

noun6

•
An event with a formal dress code.
- Jenny took Sam to her Year 12 formal.
•
An evening gown.
- Well, I open up the door / And much to my surprise / The girls were wearin' formals / And the boys were wearin' ties — 1965
A formal parameter.
Formalin.
Ellipsis of formal hall.
An acetal formed from formaldehyde.

forms

formals · more formal · most formal

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